The world’s largest tobacco companies are targeting kids with advertising, promotions, and product placements around primary and secondary schools across the globe, according to investigations conducted in at least 23 countries.

Investigations near schools in New Delhi, India found Philip Morris International provides kiosk owners with free cigarettes each month in exchange for shop owners displaying ads that are prohibited by the country’s tobacco control laws.

Tobacco vending machines

Researchers discovered several tobacco vending machines in Switzerland in locations accessible to children. It is also not surprising that the vending machines observed around schools in Switzerland were covered in attractive advertising and pack displays.

Point of sale marketing at the eye level of children

Tobacco products or advertising at children’s eye level was found in all 23 countries investigated and tobacco products placed near sweets, snacks, or soda were found in all but one country investigated.

Single cigarettes for sale

The availability of single cigarettes around schools makes it cheap and easy for school children to access tobacco. In a survey of school children (age 13-15) from 45 countries, youth around the world reported recently purchasing single cigarettes, as high as 85% in some countries like Bangladesh.

Litigation to weaken regulations that limit access to children

Tobacco companies fight policy efforts to prevent them from advertising and selling near schools. The industry has aggressively opposed legislation in Pakistan, Senegal, Chile, Russia, and Uganda that specifically included provisions to ban the sale and advertising of tobacco products near schools.